When it comes to giving furry family members the royal treatment, nothing plays a more vital role than what you put in their food bowls. While some pet owners take a relaxed approach to what their cats and dogs eat, others follow a strict diet. If you’re wondering what’s best for your pet, consider these five questions below.
1. Does price matter when it comes to pet food?
The food your pets consume will impact their health in many ways, including their immune system, digestive health, bladder, skin and bones. Cheap brands often save on manufacturing costs by using lower quality protein, not adding enough vitamins and using filler products. Low quality ingredients can impact muscle development and even play a role in kidney failure. Learn more here.
High quality options like Hill’s Science Plan and Montego are created with just the right balance of ingredients to support your pet’s development. There are different options for the various life stages of cats and dogs and each product is formulated to enhance their health.
Do your research about a brand before making it part of your pet’s diet and ensure that your choice will support their health. You can also chat to the team at your nearest Queen Pet Shop for affordable options that don’t compromise on quality.
2. How much should dogs and cats eat?
Feeding your pets the right amount depends on a number of factors, including their weight, age and current health. Consult your vet about how much your individual pets should be eating and how to form good mealtime habits.
Puppies usually need to be fed more often during the day and more active dogs will require more food than those who lounge on the couch all day. Use the guide on back of the pack of dog food you buy to measure out the correct amounts, because calorie counts may differ by brand.
Kittens will also need to be fed more often during the day. Dry cat food tends to go a bit further than wet cat food, but if you’re mixing the two, be sure to get the portions right according to your cat’s weight. Just like dogs, active cats will burn more energy than lazy indoor cats.
3. Are treats important?
Treats may not be essential for your pet’s nutrition, but they are a welcome reward that offers a chance to bond. If you want to reinforce positive behaviour, treats are usually the most effective tool.
Dry treats are essential when training your puppies and can help pet owners take control of high energy dogs. You can find a wide variety of dog treats at The Queen and chat to the team about which options are good for training and which are best for a long-lasting reward.
Giving your cat a treat is one of the simplest ways to show them love, especially if you’re giving the dogs in your house regular treats. Find high protein options for dry and wet treats at The Queen Pet Shop.
If your dog or cat has dental issues, you can use teeth cleaning treats to help improve their breath. Cats who tend to develop bladder issues can also benefit from treats made for urinary support. Make sure to chat to your vet about proper treatment for your pet’s medical issues and avoid using treats as your only source of medical support.
4. What should cats and dogs never eat?
It’s very tempting to let your pets indulge in the same treats you do and there are plenty of foods that are perfectly safe in moderation. Apples without the seeds and core, bananas and carrots can be consumed by dogs or cats safely. The occasional plain cooked meats are usually fine for pets too, but moderation is very important.
Common foods to avoid that can be toxic to your pets include onions, chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins. Cooked chicken bones are a to avoided because they can splinter. Learn more here. If you suspect your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t, take them to a vet immediately.
When in doubt, stick to food and treats that are specially made for your dogs and cats. Keep your pets’ treats as well stocked as your own to avoid giving in and handing over human treats to pleading pups.
5. What if pets have special medical needs?
If you have adopted an older pet or the pets you’ve raised are starting to slow down, they may develop special dietary requirements. Find options for sensitive stomachs, joint support, bladder care and more from a variety of brands at The Queen Pet Shop.
Younger dogs and cats can be prone to environmental or food related skin allergies and a change in diet can help ease their suffering. If your dog spends all day scratching or your cat is losing hair, talk to your vet about the food options that offer support.
For help in choosing the perfect food for your pets, visit your nearest Queen Pet Shop and find options to treat your pets like royalty.